The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 24 August 2026
Roseburn path tram bid 'likely to be shelved', cleaners hospitalised in Morningside 'tape' incident, 20mph enforcement questions after limited fines + 'Leith Chooses' £44k funding applications now open
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Let's catch up on a busy weekend and week ahead. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.
Reminder: I'll be hosting the First Edition event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this morning at 10am. Come along if you're nearby! Also on the panel: Jane Bradley (Arts Correspondent at The Scotsman) and Phyllis Stephen (founder of The Edinburgh Reporter, owner of Deadline News). See you there. You can book a free ticket here.
🌤️ This week's weather: Dry with sunny spells and a high of 21C this afternoon. Slightly cooler tomorrow and a 50% chance of rain around midday. Mist will move in on Wednesday evening into Thursday before what currently looks like a damp final weekend of the festivals. Long-range forecasts are often wrong though. - Get the full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh here.
🚉 A big headline on the front of this morning's Evening News: 'Edinburgh's North-South tramline: Northern section likely to be shelved amid controversy over Roseburn Path plans.' A council insider is reported to have said: "There is no majority for using the Roseburn Path and the Orchard Brae option isn't realistic." That would leave the southern part of the extension, from Princes Street to the Royal Infirmary, still on the table at next month's council transport meeting. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🚔 A 30-year-old person was arrested and charged on Saturday for 'culpable and reckless conduct' after an 'unknown substance' was found on a lamppost on Morningside Road on Thursday afternoon last week. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
- Emergency services were called a second time later on Thursday night when another hazardous material incident was reported on Hermitage Terrace. - Keiran Fleming, STV News.
- Two council cleaning workers were taken to hospital 'after falling ill while removing an unauthorised sticker from a lamppost', reports Kevin Quinn in the Evening News.
💰 MSPs could be exempt from paying the proposed 300% council tax on second homes in Edinburgh. Councillors will vote on Thursday. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan in Edinburgh Live.
🚦 New data shows 21 roadside fines have been given to motorists for speeding on Edinburgh'a 20mph limit streets since 2022. Questions are being raised around enforcement, but 'evidence suggests that lowering the speed limit has resulted in safer streets' reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🐆 Edinburgh Zoo announced the death of a female cheetah named Domino. - Holly Lennon, STV News.
🪧 A group of Balgreen residents are campaigning against Vodafone's plans for a 20 metre high phone mast. - Phyllis Stephen, The Edinburgh Reporter.
🏫 'Is VAT threatening the dominance of Edinburgh's private schools?' - Marissa MacWhirter, The Herald.
📝 Tomorrow the City Arts Centre hosts a discussion on the social, cultural and ethical issues for journalists working with communities. On the panel: photographer Alicia Bruce, writer & editor Arusa Qureshi and artist Christian Noelle Charles. - More details from the Edinburgh Art Festival.
🐄 'I made my Fringe debut as an extra cow in a show at the Bedlam Theatre - here's what happened.' - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
Jane Bradley
☕️ A French x Japanese fusion cafe called Brioche is 'opening soon' on Queensferry Street at the West End. It will be run by the team behind Matcha Sando in Bruntsfield. It will replace the former Scottish Gantry wine and spirits shop. - More on Instagram.
☕️ The owners of Papii Cafe on Hanover Street are opening a new spot at Waverley Arches on Wednesday. - It's on Instagram here.
💍 Zara Yusaf has opened her second jewellery studio at 46 Dundas Street at the weekend. - Find out about Orsona studio here.
🌊 Somebody was spotted swimming in the Water of Leith at the Shore yesterday. Not advised. - r/edinburgh on Reddit.
🎟️ There's still one more week of festivals to go. In case you missed it, here are the shows rated with five stars (from reliable sources) which haven't sold out yet.
Michael MacLeod
🐾 'Edinburgh Festivals Diary: Clowns with cats and diva dogs - In her Scotsman Fringe diary Ashley Davies reflects on the Fringe performers getting support from their pets and grief from their audiences'.
Ashley Davies
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
💰 Leith Chooses applications are now open! - 'A notice for Leith based charities, groups and organisations to apply for a chance to win money towards a new project for your community through Participatory Budgeting. The theme this year is; Greater Leith Harmony. (Deadline: 12 Oct)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
⮑ 🤝 LeithChooses in person Applicant Support session
Today, Mon 24 August - 'Come along to our applicant support sessions where we can answer any questions!'
5.30pm to 6.30pm | Leith Community Centre · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 The Scottish Chamber Choir - Open Rehearsals - 'The Scottish Chamber Choir is recruiting new singers, with spaces currently available in all sections of the choir. We’re holding Open Rehearsals on 14th and 21st September. Email us to find out more: advertising@scottishchamberchoir.org.uk' - More details here, shared by Milda.
🎶 Irish Traditional Music Lessons for Kids! - 'Learn tin whistle from scratch or learn new tunes on an instrument you already play, and become part of the thriving Edinburgh Comhaltas community. All welcome!' - More details here, shared by Caoimhe McKearney, Edinburgh Comhaltas.
🚀 Last chance to join us for careers in space tech - Tuesday 25th Together in Tech Edinburgh
Tomorrow, Tue 25 August - 'Last chance to sign up to our event "It's not Rocket Science: Careers in Space Tech"! Join us for discussions on the space tech sector and how women can fit into those spaces 🚀 Open to women/lgbtq+/allies - this event will be out of this world!'
5.30pm to 8.30pm | CodeBase · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by Together in Tech.
🎨 Marc Jennings: One Offs Paintings and Prints
Tomorrow, Tue 25 August - 'An exhibition of unique monotype prints made at Artichoke Print Workshop in London and Glasgow Print Studio. Also on display will be a series of new paintings by the artist. Exhibition runs 25 -30 August. Open 10am - 6pm daily.'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | The Dundas Street Gallery · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Marc.
🎻 Poetry & Pints
Tomorrow, Tue 25 August - 'P&P returns to the Bowlers' Rest on Tuesday. Join us from 6:30pm for an evening of poetry and song with talented and friendly folk. Message on IG to secure your space if you'd like to read or perform.'
6.30pm to 9pm | The Bowlers Rest · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Poetry & Pints Leith.
🎉 Edinburgh Literary Salon - Last Hurrah at the Wash Bar!
Tomorrow, Tue 25 August - 'We are delighted to be celebrating our Eighth Birthday. The Wash Bar, where many of us first attended the Salon, closes its doors at the end of August, so we're back for this 'last hurrah.' Join us for an evening of celebration and socialization.'
6.30pm to 11.30pm | Wash Bar · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Literary Salon.
🏳️🌈 QUEER COWORKING EDINBURGH
Thu 27 August - '27th August from 10am - 5pm Join us... we are a friendly group of LGBTQ+ folks of all ages. Please pre-book your space. There will be drinks, fruit and snacks available on the day.'
10am to 1pm | Duncan Place Community Hub · Leith - More details here, shared by Katie, Queer Coworking.
🗂️ Admin & Chill - Life Admin co-working
Thu 27 August - 'Need a money reset after the festival or get on top of paperwork that's piled up during the summer holidays? Join us for our August life admin co-working session at Yotel to tackle the chaos in good company!'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | YOTEL Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌱 Country Houseplant Bingo
Thu 27 August - 'Y'all should join us for our first themed Houseplant Bingo this Thursday. We will have a mix of traditional houseplants and "outdoor" plants, the grand prize plant is 5ft tall. There will also be a prize for the best dressed.'
6pm to 8pm | Fir Espresso Bar · Tollcross | £5 - More details here, shared by Fir Espresso Bar.
🖼️ The Print Collective Art Sale [Until Sun]
Fri 28 August - 'Five printmakers who make original hand pulled prints at Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop are having a pop-up sale of work including original prints, drawings and works on paper. Affordable prices - please come along and browse!'
10am to 6pm | Edinburgh Pop-Up Shop · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Sheila Chapman, The Print Collective.
🧘♀️ The Big Yin: yoga to ease stress
Fri 28 August - 'Close off a hectic month with this 90 minute yin yoga practice designed to help melt stress away. Suitable for all levels, newcomers welcome.'
6.30pm to 8pm | The Salisbury Centre · Southside | £12.50 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧘♀️ 9D Breathwork & Crystal Sound Bath
Fri 28 August - '9D Breathwork & Crystal Sound Bath together for the first time in Edinburgh. Guiding you out of active thinking into calmer, restorative states where the body can reset & rebalance. Over two & a half hours, slow down, unwind, & access deep stillness'
6.30pm to 9pm | East Side Yoga · Canonmills & Broughton | 50.00 - More details here, shared by Ciara Clarke, Blue Soul Wellness.
🧘♀️ Restorative Yoga & Sound Bath
Sat 29 August - 'Restorative yoga + the uninterrupted, soothing sound of crystal singing bowls. Just luminous tones of crystal bowls designed to quiet the mind, settle the nervous system and guide you into deep rest. Together, they create a magical stillness.'
10am to 12pm | Edinburgh Yoga Room · Canonmills & Broughton | 35.00 - More details here, shared by Ciara Clarke, Blue Soul Wellness.
🎨 Open Studio & Summer Sale
Sat 29 August - 'Studio doors are open again on August 29th (11 am - 2 pm)! Swing by to chat and shop a mix of new ceramics, past collections, samples and discounted seconds.'
11am to 2pm | Summerhall · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by aku ceramics.
🎨 Anchored At Home
Sat 29 August - 'Anchored at Home is a hands-on creative workshop inviting you to rediscover your personal style, based on your own rules. Not trends, influencers or algorithms. Explore joyful fabrics and colours, while building your bespoke Visual Manifesto.'
11am to 2pm | Stòr Coffee · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Raluca Vaduva, Detail Movement Interiors.
🎥 Heroin (1983) Local Cinema film screening and discussion
Sat 29 August - 'A chance to see these rare documentary films, originally transmitted by itv in 1983. In the year that the film Trainspotting turns 30, these films are a powerful reminder of the real lived experience of heroin addiction in Edinburgh by its residents.'
1.30pm to 5.30pm | Norton Park Business and Conference Centre · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | Free, donations. - More details here, shared by Morvern Cunningham, WHALE Arts.
🧠 The Art of Brain Health & Research - drop in and learn about Alzheimer's research
Fri 04 September - 'Curious about Alzheimer's research? Drop in on Friday 4 September between 10am and 2pm to meet the team at Scottish Brain Sciences and learn about brain health and Alzheimer's research and how to get involved.'
10am to 2pm | National Galleries Scotland: Modern One · Craigleith | Free - More details here, shared by Scottish Brain Sciences.
🤼♂️ Progress Wrestling: The Odyssey Tour
Fri 04 September - 'Hi, I currently study as a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh. I was with World Wrestling Entertainment for ten years. After leaving WWE, my husband and I bought over Progress Wrestling in London. This is Progress's first event in Scotland.'
7pm to 10pm | Edinburgh Corn Exchange · Slateford - More details here, shared by Progress Wrestling.
⛰️ Mountain Skills in the Cairngorms with Mountain Buddies
Fri 04 September - 'Local Mountain Leader Will has one place left on the 5-6 Sept Mountain Skills course, plus a new weekday option, 29-30 Sept! Join a small team for a two-day Cairngorms adventure 🧭⛰️⛺️ Learn navigation, route planning, wild camping & more'
7.30pm to 7pm | Tiso Edinburgh · New Town | £195 - More details here, shared by Will, Mountain Buddies.
🌴 Poetry Reading: Strange Architectures
Sun 06 September - 'Hear the Edinburgh-based poet JL Williams read a selection of work from her most recent collection of poems, Strange Architectures, in the extraordinary setting of the newly restored Palm Houses before their official opening in October!'
12.30pm to 3pm | Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Inverleith | 16.95 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here. Remember you can always see all 220+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🚔 Morningside Road closure over 'unknown substance'.
- 💰 Concerns over 'Covid-style' Shore business rescue plan.
- 🚈 Edinburgh-Stirling ScotRail trains won't go the whole way in Sept.
- 🍽️ 'Independent restaurant resurgence driving ‘buoyant’ food and drink sector'.
- 💰 'Council refuses to name tax-avoiding firms on city retail streets'.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 981.
📬 Free subscribers: 32,800+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 4,000,000+.
👍 The Edinburgh Minute only exists thanks to voluntary subscribers.
Reminder: I'll be hosting the First Edition event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this morning at 10am. Come along if you're nearby! Also on the panel: Jane Bradley (Arts Correspondent at The Scotsman) and Phyllis Stephen (founder of The Edinburgh Reporter, owner of Deadline News). See you there. You can book a free ticket here.
Speaking at this event Jane Bradley Phyllis Stephen Michael MacLeod Fergus McIntosh